Sanaka, 2 Definition(s)

Introduction

Sanaka means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purāṇa

1a) Sanaka (सनक).—A mind-born son of Brahmā; went on a visit to Vaikuṇṭha with his brothers; obstructed by Jaya and Vijaya, cursed them; and this was approved by Kṛṣṇa. His joy to see Hari; the avatār of Śiva; a son of Kanka; a celibate who waits on Hari; went with the latter to Pṛthu's sacrifice;1 was taught the knowledge of yoga by Hari in the form of a Haṃsa and in the presence of Brahmā;2 entered Umāvanam and seeing Śiva sporting with Umā, returned.3 He and others formed the Sadasyas for Soma's Rājasūya;4 got mokṣa through jñānam.5

Śilpaśāstra (iconography)

Sanaka (सनक) is found as a sculpture on the third pillar of the maṇḍapa of the temple of Kāśīviśveśvara.—Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanat and Sanatkumāra, the four sages, sons of Brahmā, to whom Śiva explains the secrets of Veda through his yogic power. All four sages are sitting with folded hands signifying that they are listening to him. They are also with a yogapaṭṭa.

Śilpaśāstra (शिल्पशास्त्र, shilpa-shastra) represents the ancient Indian science of creative arts such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vāstuśāstra (architecture), they often share the same literature.